Abuse

What we can do about forced marriage

We want to encourage potential victims and those already in a forced marriage to seek support and help from the police. We have specialist officers who can deal with the issues and they will help and support you throughout the process.

Obviously we understand that many victims do not want to criminalise family members and may be reluctant to call the police, however we would encourage you to do so if this is the only way to get you out of the situation.

A Forced Marriage Protection order can be made by a Family Court in order to protect victims of a potential forced marriage or people who are already in a forced marriage. This is a legal document issued by a judge designed to protect individuals according to their particular circumstances. It contains legally binding conditions and directions that require a change in the behaviour of a person or persons trying to force another person into marriage. They may be made to prevent a forced marriage from occurring.

Child Sex Offender Disclosure (Sarah's Law)

The scheme, which is also known as Sarah's Law, enables parents, guardians and third parties to enquire whether a person who has access to a child is a registered sex offender, or poses a risk to that child.

The scheme was launched by the Home Office in September 2008 as a pilot amongst four police forces in the country over a 12 month period (September 2008-September 2009). Following its success it was decided that the initiative would be rolled out nationally.

Although each case will be considered separately, (in consultation with partner agencies) disclosure will only be made to those people who are in a position to best protect or safeguard a child.

Anyone can make an application for disclosure about someone who has contact with a child under this scheme. The person they are enquiring about doesn't need to live in the Humberside policing area.